Everyone had just been force-fed a mouthful of dog food by the couple, leaving most of them a little speechless.
Of course, there were also those who felt envious—Ino and Sakura, for example. Both were hopeless romantics, and seeing Natsuki and Tenten being so lovey-dovey made them burn with jealousy.
But so people really didn't get it.
Lee raised a fist and said righteously, "Don't worry, Natsuki! Neji and I will protect Tenten!"
Neji gave the bowl-headed boy a sidelong glance, then added, "Yes, Lee and I will make sure Tenten is safe."
Clearly, Neji had a higher emotional IQ. Natsuki and Tenten had just shared a mont as a couple—it wasn't the kind of thing others should butt into. But Lee, being the straightforward blockhead he was, chid in without a second thought, making things a little awkward.
Neji had no choice but to go along to ease the tension.
"Then I'll leave her in your care," Natsuki replied with gratitude, though he wasn't really counting on it. Even if Lee opened the Fifth Gate and tead up with Neji, they still wouldn't stand a chance against Orochimaru. If things went wrong, Natsuki would have to handle it himself.
Of course, it would be best if they never ran into Orochimaru at all.
After all participants entered the testing grounds, everyone signed a waiver stating that they accepted the dangers of the exam and that no one would be held responsible in the event of death.
Then, in team-based groups, they were brought into separate, sealed tents to receive their scrolls. After that, each team was taken to a unique entrance point.
Natsuki's team received the Scroll of Heaven, which was placed in his care.
The three of them waited silently at their designated entrance. Rinya was even having a stare-down with the Chūnin gatekeeper.
Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long. As soon as the signal flared, the gate was opened and the three quickly stepped into the forest—imdiately engulfed by the oppressive atmosphere of the trees.
The Forest of Death—rumored to be a creation of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
If Yamato was famous for building towers with Mokuton, then Hashirama was the true forest-maker. Just look at these trees—each one thicker than a house and towering hundreds of ters high. It gave the place a wild, prival feeling.
They called it the Forest of Death for good reason.
The beasts weren't the biggest threat—poisonous bugs and snakes were. One careless bite or sting, and you'd be dead if not treated in ti.
Genin had to survive in this treacherous environnt and steal scrolls from other teams. Only those who made it through could be considered qualified to beco Chūnin.
"Keh, Pakkun, can you locate where everyone is?" gumi stroked the small ninja dog's head.
"Leave it to ."
Pakkun sniffed the air for a long mont before reporting, "Team 10 is over there, about one kiloter away. Team 8 is this way, slightly farther—roughly three kiloters. As for Team 7 and Gai's team, they're probably on the other side. I can't sll them yet, so they're likely more than eight kiloters away."
Ninja hounds had excellent tracking ability, but they needed either scent trails or close range to be effective. If it was too far, they had to move in closer.
Natsuki frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the distances.
The forest's diater was only about twenty kiloters. From any entry point to the central tower should only be around ten kiloters. Yet Tenten's team was so far away that even Pakkun couldn't catch her scent—this was going to be troubleso.
And another point: if Team 7 and Gai's team were both far, that likely ant they were near each other.
Which was not good news.
Natsuki gritted his teeth. He knew Orochimaru's target was Sasuke. After getting humiliated by Itachi, Orochimaru had beco obsessed with the Sharingan. Sasuke was his most desired vessel.
If Orochimaru really did show up, he would definitely go after Sasuke to plant the Cursed Seal.
And if Gai's team was nearby, they'd be dragged into it too!
"Pakkun," Natsuki said, "I rember Gai's and Team 7's entry points were in that direction. Let's go that way and check. Keep an eye out for anyone else—we'll grab their scrolls along the way."
Pakkun sniffed again and nodded. "If we head that way, I sll a few unfamiliar scents not too far out. I'll guide you."
As expected of the smartest among the Eight Ninja Hounds—completely reliable.
gumi patted Pakkun on the head and plopped him onto her own, probably worried his short legs couldn't keep up. But that was unnecessary—this dog could outrun anyone.
Still, Pakkun graciously accepted the ride, clearly satisfied with his new summoner.
Team 9 moved out.
They couldn't go all out due to safety concerns—gumi and Rinya couldn't match Natsuki's speed.
Although Natsuki was anxious, he trusted Tenten's strength. Plus, she had three senzu beans with her. Even if Orochimaru appeared, they should hold out until he arrived.
Soon, guided by Pakkun, Team 9 located a squad of unfamiliar ninja.
Their headbands were from so minor village—Natsuki didn't even recognize them.
As soon as they saw Natsuki, they didn't resist at all and handed over their scroll. It turned out to be the Scroll of Earth, just what they needed. Natsuki accepted it without hesitation.
Seeing that he wasn't going to hurt them, the enemy team sighed in relief.
gumi grinned and scratched Pakkun's head. "Pakkun, you're amazing. Thank you—I really feel like I'm helping the team!"
Pakkun basked in the praise. "No need to thank , gumi. But if you really want to show appreciation, take to Inuzuka Hana's pet clinic afterward. I'm interested in their services."
"Sure! Once the exam's over, I'll take you there."
gumi agreed happily. She really felt like her contract with a summoning beast was making a difference. Helping the team find a scroll this easily, and soon she'd help find Tenten too.
This feeling of being useful was just the best!
Rinya praised her too. "You're aweso, gumi! Okay, let's go find Tenten-neesan now—Boss is getting worried."
Team 9 moved on.
anwhile, Gai's team had also made good progress. Not far into the forest, they encountered another team. After a short battle, they successfully took a scroll—and it turned out to be exactly what they needed.
Lee cheered, "We're so lucky! We got both scrolls already!"
Neji nodded. "Then let's head to the tower and avoid unnecessary fights. That way Natsuki won't worry too much."
Tenten didn't object. She felt Natsuki was being overly cautious. While his concern made her heart warm, she wasn't just a pretty face—she didn't want to rely on him for everything.
"Let's head for the tower—hmm?"
Tenten paused mid-sentence, her brow suddenly furrowing. She'd heard sothing.
Neji imdiately activated his Byakugan and scanned the area. His face changed instantly.
"Not good! Orochimaru is really here! He's at Team 7's location!"
(End of Chapter)
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